Thirumakaraleeswarar Temple, Magaral, Kanchipuram – The Temple

Thirumagaraleeswarar Temple, Thirumagaral – The Temple

This temple is facing towards east with five tiered rajagopuram. The temple covers an area of about 2 acres (8,100 m2) and has two prakarams. Balipeedam, Nandi, Kodimara Vinayagar and Dhwaja Sthambam can be found immediately after the rajagopuram facing towards the sanctum. The main shrine consists of sanctum, antarala, maha mandapam and mukha mandapam. The main shrine stands over a raised platform. Utsava idols can be seen in the maha mandapam.

The idols of Ganesha and Murugan can be seen at the entrance of the sanctum. Huge stucco images of dvarapalas can be seen at the entrance of the sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Magaraleeswarar / Udumbeeswarar / Parinthukathavar / Adaikalam Thantha Nathar / Thaduthatkondavar / Maham Vaazhvithavar / Agastheeswarar / Apathsahayar / Paarathazhumbar / Puttridangondar / Nilaiyitta Nathar / Mangalam Kaththavar and is facing east.

He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Shiva Lingam. It is not in the typical Linga shape. It is slightly tall and thin resembling the monitor lizard. Lord is a Swayambu Moorthy (self-manifested). Vinayaga, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma  and Durga are the koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his usual location. The vimana, structure over the sanctum is in the form of Gajabrusta, the shape of an elephant in its sitting posture. The vimana is of two tiers.

The sanctum sanctorum is of Agazhi type. It is surrounded by a moat like formation on all the 4 sides. Mother is called as Bhuvana Nayagi. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. There is a north facing shrine for Arumugam along with his consorts Valli & Devasena on the south east corner of the inner prakaram. He is twelve armed and found seated on peacock. Somaskandar shrine is situated opposite to the Arumugam shrine.

Idols of 63 Nayanmars and Adhikara Nandi can be seen in the southern prakaram. Shrine of Valampuri Vinayagar can be seen on the south western corner of the inner prakaram. Shrine of Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli & Devasena can be seen on the north western corner of the inner prakaram. He is four armed and in standing posture.

There is south facing shrine for Lord Nataraja along with his consort Shivagami and Manickavasagar in the north eastern corner of the inner prakaram. Palliyarai and Ardhanari Bhairavar shrine can be seen next to the Nataraja Sabha. Navagraha shrine can be seen near Mother shrine. Shrines of Poyya Vinayagar, Skanda seated on elephant and Nalvar can be found in the temple premises. There is a well in the northern side of the inner prakaram.

Marriage hall, Vahana mandapam and Yagasala are found in the outer prakaram. Theerthams associated with this temple are Agni Theertham and Cheyyar river. The temple tank, Agni Theertham, is located on the southern corner in the eastern prakaram. There is a four pillared mandapam near this theertham. Sthala Vriksham is Lemon tree. It is situated on the northern prakaram.